Installation

The installation of the Thermalright HR-03 GT was quite easy since there are very well laid-out diagrams and explanations in the instruction pamphlet. However, if you need additional installation instructions you can visit Thermalright’s website where they have some excellent installation photos: Ultimate CPU Cooling Solutions! USA

In this review we will be installing out GT onto an XFX 8800GTS 512MB Alpha Dog Edition graphics card.


Once the process of uninstalling the stock cooler and cleaning off the pre-applied thermal compound is complete, it is time for you to install the ram and VRM heatsinks. Unlike some manufacturers, the thermal tape which Thermalright provides sticks very well as long as your clean the ram modules reasonably well. We have seen far too often a manufacturer provide thermal tape under their ramsinks which doesn’t stay stuck.


Thermalright has gone down bit of a unique route with some of their ramsinks; instead of smaller individual pieces, some of them come in lengths long enough to cover two ram modules in one fell swoop. Not only will this increase the cooling potential but it makes them infinitely easier to install.

Due to the size of the heatpipes on the HR-03 GT and their proximity to the PCB and ram modules, Thermalright provides you with sorter ramsinks for two of the modules.


The next step is to install the heatsink onto your card along with the x-shaped retention plate. It is best to install the screws first and then slip them through the mounting holes so you won’t have to do some acrobatics with your fingers. Just make sure you have pre-tightened them onto the retention bracket because tightening them after it is installed is next to impossible.


The final thing you will have to do is to flip over your graphics card, mount the x-shaped backplate (with rubber washers) and then tighten down the four corners with the included screw caps. Make sure that you don’t over tighten these bolts.


Here is what the HR-03 Looks like once it has been completely installed You may notice that this is in no way what you would call a one-slot cooler since it takes up two expansion slots without the 92mm fan installed.


Depending on the thickness of the 92mm fan that you install, the HR-03 GT can take up to four expansion slots which is quite a bit especially if you are panning on running a Crossfire of SLI setup. That being said, installing the fan brackets are a bit of a pain but the end result is a mounting system which is secure enough that whichever fan you install won’t move anywhere.